Images

Thomas a Beckett Synogogue Visit Dec 2009

Pupils with artefacts

Torah Scrolls

The scroll is unrolled...

...and the pupils get a close look.

At the end of our unit of study on Judaism a chance remark by one of the Year 2 children “There aren’t any synagogues in Great Britain “, led to us investigating a visit to one.  We contacted the Diocesan Board who put us in touch with Lynda Ford-Horne who proved to be a great support in planning our day.

On Thursday 19^th November 09 the whole school (52 children) set off for Bournemouth.  We dropped our seven Reception children at the Oceanarium for the day looking at God’s wonderful world under the sea.  We then continued to the Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation Synagogue where the Key stage 2 children spent the morning.

Peter, an English Jew, who works in the Synagogue, gave an engaging talk to the children about all aspects of his religion.  He showed them artefacts in the synagogue, explained the importance of the various rituals performed and described how he conducts his daily life as a practicing Jew.  There was ample opportunity for the children to ask their many questions.

Key stage 1 children continued on to the Bournemouth Reform Synagogue where the children enjoyed a ‘hands on’ experience with the artefacts found in the synagogue.  The boys were required to keep their heads covered with a hat.  The children were fascinated to help take the Torah scrolls out of the Ark and unroll them.  They were able to follow the text with a Yad.  The significance of the artefacts was carefully explained.  We will be able to build on this in our future work on Judaism.

We then went on the coach to Bethany C of E School.  Our children enjoyed the experience of being in a larger school and the staff enjoyed a welcome coffee.

Next we travelled on to the Islamic Centre to meet Tariq Palmer.  Firstly everyone took off their shoes before entering the prayer area.  The children heard about the Islamic way of life and the way the centre is used for prayer.  Opportunity was given for the children to ask questions before everyone tried to find their shoes!

Comments on the experience:-

By the Key stage 2 Teacher: –

"The children were interested to compare the different buildings where people worshipped.  They liked the grandness and ornateness of the synagogue and found it interesting that the Mosque in Bournemouth was like a house.  They were fascinated to hear that many things we hear about Islam are not actually true.  The older children were amazed to hear how being Jewish is such a strict way of life."

By the Key stage 1 children: -

            “I didn’t know the scrolls were made of animal skins.”

            “I found out that it takes 2 years for a person to write the Torah Scrolls and costs a          lot of money.” (£30,000)

            “I liked putting the Kippah on my head.”

            “I now know you can’t touch the Torah Scrolls.”

Both staff and children found the day has given us a better understanding of the Jewish and Islamic faiths.  We would recommend this visit to other schools.